Andy Nicholas
@andypnicholas.bsky.social
Principal Houdini Pipeline Developer for Framestore commercials/tv/rides team.
Previously at: The Mill, Analog, Glassworks, Rushes, Lionhead (Fable 2)
Previously at: The Mill, Analog, Glassworks, Rushes, Lionhead (Fable 2)
Pinned
Andy Nicholas
@andypnicholas.bsky.social
· Nov 10
Home | andynicholas.com
www.andynicholas.com
Introduction post...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
I wrote a little primer on rigid body dynamics in Houdini after seeing a lot of similar questions online. Bullet is a pretty deep rabbit hole to fall into and there's a lot of legacy stuff that's very confusing for new artists... hopefully this helps you get started!
www.toadstorm.com/blog/?p=1123
www.toadstorm.com/blog/?p=1123
A Houdini RBD Primer, Part 1 – Toadstorm Nerdblog
www.toadstorm.com
March 25, 2025 at 12:57 AM
I wrote a little primer on rigid body dynamics in Houdini after seeing a lot of similar questions online. Bullet is a pretty deep rabbit hole to fall into and there's a lot of legacy stuff that's very confusing for new artists... hopefully this helps you get started!
www.toadstorm.com/blog/?p=1123
www.toadstorm.com/blog/?p=1123
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
I’ve written down some thoughts about C++ and how a better programming language could look like:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Thoughts Beyond C++
Thoughts Beyond C++ First published: 2024-12-30 Author: Adam Sawicki - see About the author This document is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) 4.0 license. Short add...
docs.google.com
December 30, 2024 at 6:39 PM
I’ve written down some thoughts about C++ and how a better programming language could look like:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
"Sorry, we can't make this technology that sucks and nobody wants and that uses enough power to blow up the moon unless we *also* steal people's shit to throw into our content woodchipper in order to produce mediocre digital particleboard out of the cumulative artbarf."
futurism.com/the-byte/ope...
futurism.com/the-byte/ope...
OpenAI Pleads That It Can’t Make Money Without Using Copyrighted Materials for Free
OpenAI is begging Parliament to allow it to use copyrighted works because it's "impossible" for the company to make money without them.
futurism.com
December 20, 2024 at 2:05 PM
"Sorry, we can't make this technology that sucks and nobody wants and that uses enough power to blow up the moon unless we *also* steal people's shit to throw into our content woodchipper in order to produce mediocre digital particleboard out of the cumulative artbarf."
futurism.com/the-byte/ope...
futurism.com/the-byte/ope...
Excited to share our 2024 show reel from the Film and Commercials team.
Some really amazing work here by them and definitely worth a watch with sound for the few shots shown with audio.
(FYI: some gore plus a few minor spoilers!)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iORW...
#framestore #cgi #vfx
Some really amazing work here by them and definitely worth a watch with sound for the few shots shown with audio.
(FYI: some gore plus a few minor spoilers!)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iORW...
#framestore #cgi #vfx
VFX Showreel 2024 | Framestore
YouTube video by Framestore
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Excited to share our 2024 show reel from the Film and Commercials team.
Some really amazing work here by them and definitely worth a watch with sound for the few shots shown with audio.
(FYI: some gore plus a few minor spoilers!)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iORW...
#framestore #cgi #vfx
Some really amazing work here by them and definitely worth a watch with sound for the few shots shown with audio.
(FYI: some gore plus a few minor spoilers!)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iORW...
#framestore #cgi #vfx
Spike Jonze: Directing the Invisible Art | Framestore
YouTube video by Framestore
youtu.be
December 3, 2024 at 6:46 PM
Here's another. This time from James Gunn about his work on directing the VFX on Guardians.
youtu.be/_nGveoQTYq8?...
youtu.be/_nGveoQTYq8?...
James Gunn: Directing the Invisible Art | Framestore
YouTube video by Framestore
youtu.be
December 3, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Here's another. This time from James Gunn about his work on directing the VFX on Guardians.
youtu.be/_nGveoQTYq8?...
youtu.be/_nGveoQTYq8?...
Sharing some Framestore content here... it's got some directors that you may have heard of talking about directing VFX.
youtu.be/t4FbECOgaBw
youtu.be/t4FbECOgaBw
Directing the Invisible Art | Framestore
YouTube video by Framestore
youtu.be
December 3, 2024 at 9:27 AM
Sharing some Framestore content here... it's got some directors that you may have heard of talking about directing VFX.
youtu.be/t4FbECOgaBw
youtu.be/t4FbECOgaBw
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
1. The implicit deal behind Starmerism was this: you might not like what he stands for (or fails to stand for), but at least he knows how to win elections. If you want the Tories out, he’s your only hope.
But now? It’s as if he’s going out of his way to lose in 2029. 🧵
But now? It’s as if he’s going out of his way to lose in 2029. 🧵
November 29, 2024 at 8:21 AM
1. The implicit deal behind Starmerism was this: you might not like what he stands for (or fails to stand for), but at least he knows how to win elections. If you want the Tories out, he’s your only hope.
But now? It’s as if he’s going out of his way to lose in 2029. 🧵
But now? It’s as if he’s going out of his way to lose in 2029. 🧵
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
So here’s the update. The billionaire owner of the Guardian preparing to get rid of a core part of the news org + 100 journalists.
If you’re a Guardian or Observer reader, please share this. The need for a strong, free & independent press couldn’t be greater. Yet, here it is.
If you’re a Guardian or Observer reader, please share this. The need for a strong, free & independent press couldn’t be greater. Yet, here it is.
November 25, 2024 at 10:30 PM
So here’s the update. The billionaire owner of the Guardian preparing to get rid of a core part of the news org + 100 journalists.
If you’re a Guardian or Observer reader, please share this. The need for a strong, free & independent press couldn’t be greater. Yet, here it is.
If you’re a Guardian or Observer reader, please share this. The need for a strong, free & independent press couldn’t be greater. Yet, here it is.
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
As the historian A.J.P. Taylor wryly remarked, Reith had “managed to preserve the technical independence of the BBC…..by suppressing news which the government did not want published. This set a pattern for the future: the vaunted independence of the BBC was secure so long as it was NOT exercised."
November 21, 2024 at 7:53 PM
As the historian A.J.P. Taylor wryly remarked, Reith had “managed to preserve the technical independence of the BBC…..by suppressing news which the government did not want published. This set a pattern for the future: the vaunted independence of the BBC was secure so long as it was NOT exercised."
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Clive is bang on here.
This is very basic stuff that Labour are getting so completely wrong.
People who are struggling are not benefiting from hawks like Blackrock being given partnerships.
Not only are they not benefiting - they're a huge part of the reason that inequality is so huge.
This is very basic stuff that Labour are getting so completely wrong.
People who are struggling are not benefiting from hawks like Blackrock being given partnerships.
Not only are they not benefiting - they're a huge part of the reason that inequality is so huge.
This post from the PM is problematic for a number of reasons.
A thread…🧵
A thread…🧵
November 22, 2024 at 8:34 AM
Clive is bang on here.
This is very basic stuff that Labour are getting so completely wrong.
People who are struggling are not benefiting from hawks like Blackrock being given partnerships.
Not only are they not benefiting - they're a huge part of the reason that inequality is so huge.
This is very basic stuff that Labour are getting so completely wrong.
People who are struggling are not benefiting from hawks like Blackrock being given partnerships.
Not only are they not benefiting - they're a huge part of the reason that inequality is so huge.
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
1. The difference so far (and for god's sake let's keep it that way) between X and Bluesky is not between right and left but between abuse and respect.
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
November 21, 2024 at 7:54 AM
1. The difference so far (and for god's sake let's keep it that way) between X and Bluesky is not between right and left but between abuse and respect.
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
A good society is built on mutual respect. But what does this mean?
A short thread.🧵
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Massimo Branca is a true FX Gentleman. 🔥
He Shared his entire Mad Max Explosions Houdini project with us and recorded 5 hours of tutorials on it.
Just like and comment " MADMAX " and we'll send you the files and free tutorial in your DM's ✉️
He Shared his entire Mad Max Explosions Houdini project with us and recorded 5 hours of tutorials on it.
Just like and comment " MADMAX " and we'll send you the files and free tutorial in your DM's ✉️
November 19, 2024 at 8:19 PM
Massimo Branca is a true FX Gentleman. 🔥
He Shared his entire Mad Max Explosions Houdini project with us and recorded 5 hours of tutorials on it.
Just like and comment " MADMAX " and we'll send you the files and free tutorial in your DM's ✉️
He Shared his entire Mad Max Explosions Houdini project with us and recorded 5 hours of tutorials on it.
Just like and comment " MADMAX " and we'll send you the files and free tutorial in your DM's ✉️
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Zuckerberg owns Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.
Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
Elon Musk owns Twitter/X.
When multi-billionaires take control of our most vital platforms for communication, it’s not a win for free speech. It’s a win for oligarchy
Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
Elon Musk owns Twitter/X.
When multi-billionaires take control of our most vital platforms for communication, it’s not a win for free speech. It’s a win for oligarchy
November 19, 2024 at 5:01 PM
Zuckerberg owns Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.
Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
Elon Musk owns Twitter/X.
When multi-billionaires take control of our most vital platforms for communication, it’s not a win for free speech. It’s a win for oligarchy
Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
Elon Musk owns Twitter/X.
When multi-billionaires take control of our most vital platforms for communication, it’s not a win for free speech. It’s a win for oligarchy
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Creating video games is hard, but working with publishers can be even harder. To help level the playing field, I've been working with with a law firm to develop a foundational "starting point" for solo developers to use when developing publishing contracts.
It'll be free and uploaded next week 🙂
It'll be free and uploaded next week 🙂
November 19, 2024 at 3:11 PM
Creating video games is hard, but working with publishers can be even harder. To help level the playing field, I've been working with with a law firm to develop a foundational "starting point" for solo developers to use when developing publishing contracts.
It'll be free and uploaded next week 🙂
It'll be free and uploaded next week 🙂
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
Victoria Derbyshire nails Jeremy Clarkson over his Inheritance Tax scam.
Hilarious to watch him squirm.
Hilarious to watch him squirm.
November 19, 2024 at 2:11 PM
Victoria Derbyshire nails Jeremy Clarkson over his Inheritance Tax scam.
Hilarious to watch him squirm.
Hilarious to watch him squirm.
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
I have started a Houdini List as well as a Starter Pack, if someone either doesn't want to follow a bunch of accounts, or wants to get Houdini discussions in its own tab.
bsky.app/profile/did:...
bsky.app/profile/did:...
November 14, 2024 at 8:35 PM
I have started a Houdini List as well as a Starter Pack, if someone either doesn't want to follow a bunch of accounts, or wants to get Houdini discussions in its own tab.
bsky.app/profile/did:...
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Saw the legend that is Randall Munroe (@xkcd.com) talking with Matt Parker (@standupmaths.bsky.social) tonight. Hilarious and educational exactly as you’d expect. Awesome evening!
November 13, 2024 at 11:04 PM
Saw the legend that is Randall Munroe (@xkcd.com) talking with Matt Parker (@standupmaths.bsky.social) tonight. Hilarious and educational exactly as you’d expect. Awesome evening!
Definitely getting “early days” Twitter vibes from this platform at the moment. Loving it.
November 12, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Definitely getting “early days” Twitter vibes from this platform at the moment. Loving it.
Introduction post...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Home | andynicholas.com
www.andynicholas.com
November 10, 2024 at 1:13 PM
Introduction post...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Nice to meet you! I'm Andy, I've been working in games and VFX for a lonnnnng time in various roles. I love the space where art meets maths/science! 😍
Website: www.andynicholas.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andynicho...
Reposted by Andy Nicholas
At last, there's a searchable directory of Bluesky starter packs, courtesy of @mubashariqbal.com! Just one more way third-party developers are helping to make this place better.
Search starter packs by keyword, and sort by "Uses" to see which ones people are finding the most helpful
Search starter packs by keyword, and sort by "Uses" to see which ones people are finding the most helpful
All - Bluesky Directory
A curated collection of all things relating to the Blue Sky social media platform.
blueskydirectory.com
November 8, 2024 at 3:58 AM
At last, there's a searchable directory of Bluesky starter packs, courtesy of @mubashariqbal.com! Just one more way third-party developers are helping to make this place better.
Search starter packs by keyword, and sort by "Uses" to see which ones people are finding the most helpful
Search starter packs by keyword, and sort by "Uses" to see which ones people are finding the most helpful
My first post after jumping off X.
If I just followed you… hello! Do follow back 👋
If I just followed you… hello! Do follow back 👋
November 5, 2024 at 8:24 PM
My first post after jumping off X.
If I just followed you… hello! Do follow back 👋
If I just followed you… hello! Do follow back 👋